Determine permit required

This is a text version of our Beach Maintenance interactive question and answer module to help you understand if you need a permit to perform maintenance. If you are seeing this message, you currently have JavaScript disabled or are in compatibility mode while using Internet Explorer. This text version is here to help you understand if you need a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for your Swimming Raft project, and if so, which one. Please go through and answer each question. This will help you determine which permit you will need.

You can remove washed up debris, by hand without any DNR approvals. This means that you can use a shovel, rake, wheel barrow etc. to pick up and remove the material. The material must not be disposed of in any waterway or wetland.

Mechanized equipment can only be operated in public waters with a permit, so for nuisance levels of this type of material which require motorized equipment to remove, there is a general permit available for you to use.*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.

Question 4 :

Please best describe the maintenance you would like to perform.

You've answered Remove vegetation in the area below the OHWM in order to maintain it.

If your answer is “Remove vegetation in the area below the OHWM in order to maintain it”:

Removal of vegetation on exposed lake bed areas (below the OHWM) is limited to a single 30-foot-wide path, per property, measured along the shoreline. All vegetation may be removed by hand without any department approvals.

You've answered Remove exotic or invasive species.

If your answer is “Remove exotic or invasive species”:

The following invasive species may be removed by hand in an unlimited area: Phragmites, Eurasian Water Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed and Purple Loosestrife. Removal of vegetation above the OHWM is regulated by your local unit of government. Contact your local shoreland zoning office to learn if there are any permits you need.

If you need to use a motor vehicle to manage all other invasive plant species by mowing, cutting, etc., you will need to apply for a permit. The type of permit will depend on the type of materials you are removing. Please visit the general permits page to apply for a waterway general permit or an aquatic plant management permit.*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.

You've answered Place sand, rocks or fill in the exposed area below the OHWM.

If your answer is “Place sand, rocks or fill in the exposed area below the OHWM”:

The placement of any fill at or below the OHWM including sand, pea gravel and rock requires permits from the department. Depending on the type of fill and water body involved. Please visit our Pea Gravel page to learn more.

Visit Water Permits to apply for a general or individual permit. Select pea gravel general or individual permit, or miscellaneous structure individual permit if the fill is something other than pea gravel (like sand). *Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.

*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.

Please note that there are additional permit standards you must meet before the department may approve the permit. Please review the additional standards, found in the department’s checklist [PDF] prior to applying for a permit.

In addition, placement of fill above the OHWM may require a permit from your local unit of government. Contact your local shoreland zoning office to learn if there are any regulations they may require you to follow.

Visit Water Permits to apply for a general or individual aquatic plant management permit.*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.

Visit Water Permits to apply for a general or individual aquatic plant management permit.*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.

Question 4 :

Please best describe the maintenance you would like to perform.

You've answered Use a motor vehicle, such as a golf cart, ATV, or riding mower, to aid in vegetation removal.

If your answer is “Use a motor vehicle, such as a golf cart, ATV, or riding mower, to aid in vegetation removal”:

If you need to use a motor vehicle to manage all other invasive plant species by mowing, cutting, etc., or a motor vehicle to remove native plants, you will need to apply for a permit. The type of permit will depend on the type of materials you are removing.

Visit Water Permits to apply for a general or individual aquatic plant management permit.*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one prior to proceeding.